July 4, 2025: Mumbai is set to achieve a major milestone in urban mobility with plans to seamlessly connect its upcoming underground bullet train terminal at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to two metro lines—Line 3 and Line 2B. The proposed integration involves a 1.1-kilometre underground tunnel with travelators connecting the terminal to Metro Line 3’s Kotak-BKC station, and a separate foot overbridge (FOB) linking it to Line 2B’s IL&FS station.
The project is a collaborative effort between the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL). Officials say the plan mirrors global best practices, including transit models in Milan and Rome, offering commuters a smooth interchange between regional and local transport.
Set beneath Mumbai’s fast-growing business hub, the BKC terminal spans five acres and will include underground platforms, concourses, ticketing areas, and surface-level retail. Civil works, currently in full swing, are expected to conclude by late 2027.
The tunnel design—modelled on Churchgate and CSMT subways—will feature shops and four access points connecting pedestrian zones. Estimated to cost Rs 100–150 crore, the project also aligns with transit-oriented development (TOD) principles. The FOB to Metro Line 2B, just 50 metres from the terminal, aims to address last-mile connectivity for commuters, particularly those with luggage.
Experts have welcomed the proposal but warn of execution challenges, such as climate control, accessibility, and safety. With Metro Line 3 already operational and Line 2B nearing completion, synchronised rollout is key. If successful, this initiative will mark a turning point in India’s transport strategy—uniting bullet train, metro, and pedestrian networks into a seamless, eco-friendly system.
Source: Urban Acres
